The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

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A database of press freedom incidents in the United States — everything from arrests of journalists and the seizure of their equipment to assaults and interrogations at the U.S. border. The Press Freedom Tracker documents incidents across the country, involving national, state and local authorities.

From Our Blog

In 2022, 15 journalists arrested; more face charges

While detained, journalists lose their ability to freely cover the story; criminal charges mean journalists face the threat of fines, prison time — or both.

Published

December 20, 2022

Written by

Stephanie Sugars
Broken cameras, lost wages

Published

January 10, 2023

Written by

Kio Herrera
Charges — and punishments — for J6 rioters who hurt journalists, damaged news equipment

Published

October 21, 2022

Written by

Kio Herrera

Featured Incidents

Devices illegally seized in investigation of reporter’s murder, Review-Journal argues
1. Equipment Search or Seizure
2. Subpoena/Legal Order
Date of Incident

September 3, 2022

Location

Las Vegas , Nevada

Targets

Jeff German (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Texas Senate extends barring reporters from floor
1. Denial of Access
Date of Incident

January 6, 2023

Location

Austin , Texas

Targets

Media
WSJ reporter detained outside Phoenix bank
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
Date of Incident

November 23, 2022

Location

Phoenix , Arizona

Targets

Dion Rabouin (Wall Street Journal)

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Learn More About Our Categories

Arrest/Criminal Charge Assault Border Stop Chilling Statement Denial of Access Equipment Damage Equipment Search or Seizure Leak Case Prior Restraint Subpoena/Legal Order Other Incident

Recent Incidents

SC reporter arrested, banned from tribal lands
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
Date of Incident

January 14, 2023

Location

Rock Hill , South Carolina

Targets

Maggie Brown (The Post and Courier)
Texas judge vacates order limiting murder trial coverage
1. Prior Restraint
Date of Incident

January 9, 2023

Location

Waco , Texas

Targets

KWTX, Media, Waco Tribune-Herald
Texas Senate extends barring reporters from floor
1. Denial of Access
Date of Incident

January 6, 2023

Location

Austin , Texas

Targets

Media
WSJ reporter detained outside Phoenix bank
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
Date of Incident

November 23, 2022

Location

Phoenix , Arizona

Targets

Dion Rabouin (Wall Street Journal)
Documentary filmmaker subpoenaed again in DOJ Capitol riots investigation
1. Subpoena/Legal Order
Date of Incident

November 18, 2022

Location

Washington, D.C.

Targets

Alex Holder (AJH Media Group)
- #Election 2020
Armed man enters New York Times building, requests to speak with reporter
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

November 17, 2022

Location

New York , New York

Targets

The New York Times
‘Confidentiality order’ sent to California news outlet attempts to stop newsgathering
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

November 16, 2022

Location

Contra Costa , California

Targets

East Bay Times
Memphis news photographer, reporter robbed at gunpoint blocks from studio
1. Assault
2. Equipment Damage
Date of Incident

November 10, 2022

Location

Memphis , Tennessee

Targets

Unidentified photojournalist 27 (WHBQ-TV FOX13)

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